Public liability and personal injury exposures continue to evolve, with shifting behaviours, new environments and reshaping community expectations how incidents occur and how responsibility is assessed.
In that landscape, staying across trends in case outcomes is essential to understanding where risks are emerging and how courts are responding. Our Casualty Hub brings together insights that help you track these developments, anticipate change and support confident, well-informed decision-making across your portfolio.
16 September 2026 |
The Harman obligation: when does it arise?
The recent decision of the Court of Appeal of NSW in Hughes v Bramston is a reminder to parties and legal practitioners of their obligations under the Harman undertaking.
The recent decision of the Court of Appeal of NSW in Hughes v Bramston is a reminder to parties and legal practitioners of their obligations under the Harman undertaking.
15 September 2026 |
'Unscrambling the egg' on psychiatric injury and apportionment between tortfeasors
The Plaintiff was sexually assaulted after her Year 12 school formal in 2016. Criminal charges were laid, and the offenders were convicted. The Plaintiff suffered significant psychological harm as a result of the offending.
The Plaintiff was sexually assaulted after her Year 12 school formal in 2016. Criminal charges were laid, and the offenders were convicted. The Plaintiff suffered significant psychological harm as a result of the offending.
10 September 2026 |
The only way is up - current trends in the Australian personal injury landscape
Personal injury claim numbers remain strong, encouraged (at least in part) by a proliferation in plaintiff personal injury firms competing for work.
Personal injury claim numbers remain strong, encouraged (at least in part) by a proliferation in plaintiff personal injury firms competing for work.
08 September 2026 |
The limits of liability: nominal damages and contributory negligence in retail slip claim
The Court found that the Defendant, while it had a reasonable system of floor cleaning in place, had breached its duty of care to the Plaintiff.
The Court found that the Defendant, while it had a reasonable system of floor cleaning in place, had breached its duty of care to the Plaintiff.
25 August 2026 |
From morning run to mauling: $638,479.28 in damages for dog attack
In the recent decision of Shaw v Shergill [2026] VCC 1222, Judicial Registrar Lynch of the County Court of Victoria awarded judgment for the Plaintiff against the Defendants, ordering damages in the sum of $638,479.28.
In the recent decision of Shaw v Shergill [2026] VCC 1222, Judicial Registrar Lynch of the County Court of Victoria awarded judgment for the Plaintiff against the Defendants, ordering damages in the sum of $638,479.28.
06 July 2026 |
Although the Council was negligent – its actions were not so unreasonable that they were not reasonable
The Plaintiff suffered catastrophic injuries when his pushbike collided with a temporary barrier erected around footpath works.
The Plaintiff suffered catastrophic injuries when his pushbike collided with a temporary barrier erected around footpath works.
03 July 2026 |
Court of Appeal considers risk of harm and award for future economic loss in claim involving minor
This decision reminds of the importance of the proper characterisation of the 'risk of harm' under the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) and the evidence required to support an award for future economic loss.
This decision reminds of the importance of the proper characterisation of the 'risk of harm' under the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) and the evidence required to support an award for future economic loss.
02 July 2026 |
A simple fix, a foreseeable risk and a $15 million lesson
The recent decision in Woolnough v Whittlesea City Council demonstrates that where a risk is known and relatively inexpensive to fix ignoring it can prove to be a very expensive decision.
The recent decision in Woolnough v Whittlesea City Council demonstrates that where a risk is known and relatively inexpensive to fix ignoring it can prove to be a very expensive decision.
30 June 2026 |
Scope and content critical in determining a defendant's liability
Simon Bibby was injured on 5 April 2018 in the course of his employment with Tyre and Auto Pty Ltd. This decision serves as a reminder to properly consider the 'scope and content' of a defendant's duty of care.
Simon Bibby was injured on 5 April 2018 in the course of his employment with Tyre and Auto Pty Ltd. This decision serves as a reminder to properly consider the 'scope and content' of a defendant's duty of care.
29 April 2026 |
The jury did what!? Case note on Sakibul Haque v Alan Mance Motors Pty Ltd
One may have thought that a plaintiff who tripped on a mat, which he himself had placed on the ground moments before, would warrant a high reduction for contributory negligence. Not with this jury!
One may have thought that a plaintiff who tripped on a mat, which he himself had placed on the ground moments before, would warrant a high reduction for contributory negligence. Not with this jury!
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Contact
Janelle Barron
Special Counsel
t: +61 7 3016 5064+61 7 3016 5064
m: +61 401 922 978+61 401 922 978
o: Brisbane
Special Counsel
t: +61 7 3016 5064+61 7 3016 5064
m: +61 401 922 978+61 401 922 978
o: Brisbane
